The actor-and-director, who made his debut behind the cameras with 'Don Jon' earlier this year, is in talks with Warner Bros. to produce the film adaptation of Neil Gaiman's dark comic book series with David S. Goyer, and the deal could include a starring role and a directorial credit, also.

The studio has yet to hire a screenwriter to adapt the comic books, but the project has long been in the works and bosses feel they may have finally figured out how to translate the story to the big screen.

'The Sandman' centres on Morpheus, who is the personification of dreams. The horror/fantasy series sees the central character escape after being held captive for 70 years and gain revenge on those who wronged him. He must also rebuild his life and adjust to the times following his decades-long captivity.

Warner Bros. is reportedly very high on Gordon-Levitt who has starred in two big blockbusters for the studio, 'Inception' and 'The Dark Knight Rises'.

The project would mark the star's second directorial effort following comedy 'Don Jon', in which he also starred alongside Scarlett Johansson.

Gordon-Levitt will next be seen in another dark graphic novel adaptation, 'Sin City: A Dame to Kill For'.